Bristol and Bath Branch 'Knot theory in Maths, Physics and Biology'

Speakers: Mark Dennis, Professor of Theoretical Physics and Dr Keith Alexander, both of University of Bristol

Everybody knows that long pieces of string (or headphones, ….) naturally become knotted, and somehow maths can be used to classify the ways to tie a tie, but how do knots occur in science?

Bristol physicists Professor Mark Dennis and Mr Keith Alexander will explain, with demonstrations, how the abstract theory of knots is combined to create and explain knotted systems across physics and biology. For example, recent experiments use the theory to create knotted flows in water, and even in light. And many of the molecules in our bodies are long strings (such as DNA and proteins), and knot theory provides tools to understand how these molecules function.

One of our CREST Youth Panel members, Floriane Fidegnon, was lucky enough to be the youth speaker at the Grand Challenges Conference, hosted by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Here she spills all about the experience and has an important message for scientists and researchers...